Recently, Korean medium and small sized MP3 makers have been starting to establish numerous partner relationships with mobile operators. Although at this point specifics of the partnerships are not yet known, observers expect cooperation will entail joint promotions.

 

These partnerships are hoped to strengthen wired and mobile portal services, ensure quality, and reduce conflicts between mobile operators and MP3 makers. MP3 makers also hope to gain advantages such as diversification of channels, improvement of service quality, and smoother mechanisms for the collection of content usage fees.

 

According to statements by the companies involved, the Korean MP3 maker IOPS and SK Telecom have already entered into the last phase of discussions regarding a possible partnership. MPIO is set to enter into partnerships with either KTF or LG Telecom, and Hyunwon, which already cooperates with Soribada, is also contemplating teaming up with KTF.